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First, some facts. Of the Apparel Merchandising graduates from Indiana University Bloomington we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Apparel Merchandising graduates from Indiana University Bloomington have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 23% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Apparel Merchandising graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 61% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor's degree in Apparel Merchandising. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCorporate Communications Intern Finish Line May 2010 - Jul 2010 Real Estate Broker F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. Mar 2016 - Jul 2018 Footwear Merchandiser  Finish Line Oct 2010 - Present Real Estate Broker Armstrong Real Estate Brokerage Jul 2018 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the job paths of people who graduated with a degree in Apparel Merchandising from Indiana University Bloomington, it's clear there are some major trends in the types of roles they've landed. Surprisingly, many alumni took jobs that don't directly align with their field, like working as real estate brokers or in management at car rental companies. These positions focus on skills unrelated to fashion and merchandising, showing that some graduates might not have found a direct link between their degree and their first jobs right out of college. However, there are definitely notable exceptions where graduates took on roles like Assistant Buyer or Merchandising Assistant, which leverage specific skills and knowledge from their Apparel Merchandising coursework. These jobs entail direct involvement with product selection, market trends, and inventory management, making them highly relevant and aligned with what they studied.
Overall, the job landscape for these graduates is quite mixed. While some have landed roles that strongly relate to their degree, like a Footwear Merchandiser or Associate Manager of Product Development, a good number have strayed far from the apparel industry altogether. It seems that while the degree provides a solid foundation in fashion and merchandising, many graduates have taken diverse paths in their careers, possibly due to personal interests, job market demands, or the need for more immediate employment. So, if you're thinking about a degree in Apparel Merchandising, keep in mind that it can take you in various directions—you might find yourself in a role that's all about shoes, or you could end up managing customer relations, completely unrelated to apparel!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Apparel Merchandising graduates (this is across all Apparel Merchandising graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Indiana University Bloomington):
Looking at the career paths of graduates from the Apparel Merchandising program at Indiana University Bloomington, it's clear that many have found their way into relevant roles within the fashion and merchandising industry right after graduation. For a lot of them, first jobs include positions like Corporate Communications Intern, Assistant Buyer, or Sales roles at established brands like Finish Line, Nordstrom, and Burlington. This indicates that immediately after graduation, these grads are often stepping into positions that leverage their degree, gaining valuable experience in merchandising and retail environments.
Fast forward five to ten years, and we've got a mix of success stories and a few more unconventional paths. Many alumni are seeing real career progression within the industry—like from Assistant Buyer to Associate Manager of Product Development, or Sales Lead Managers transitioning to General Manager roles. Others have made moves into various fields; for example, some have shifted to HR or even graphic design, which shows versatility but might stray a bit from their original Apparel Merchandising focus. Overall, while some graduates seem to have drifted into unrelated careers, a significant number are thriving in positions that remain connected to their studies in merchandising and fashion, suggesting that the program's foundation is solid for those truly passionate about the field.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Merchandising, like the one at Indiana University Bloomington, is pretty manageable, especially if you've got a passion for fashion and a knack for creativity. The coursework can be a mix of fun and challenging, with classes on trends, textiles, and marketing strategies, but it tends to be more hands-on and practical compared to some other majors that are super theory-heavy. If you’re someone who enjoys engaging projects and working with others, you might find it easier than a lot of other programs out there. Of course, it still requires dedication and good time management, especially when juggling assignments and projects, but overall, it's not considered overly difficult if you keep your interest levels up!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Apparel Merchandising.
Looking at these graduates from Indiana University Bloomington, it seems like they’re generally doing pretty well with their careers in apparel merchandising and related fields. The ones who graduated a decade ago or more have climbed the ranks to solid positions, like real estate brokers and senior managers, which typically come with decent salaries. Even those newer to the job market are already finding their way into roles like buyers and analysts, which can pay well as they gain experience. While exact salary figures aren't provided, the career trajectories suggest they’re making a decent living, especially in fields like merchandising and UX design, where salaries can be quite competitive. Overall, it looks like these grads are on the right path to financial stability and growth!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Apparel Merchandising (this is across all Apparel Merchandising graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Indiana University Bloomington). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Apparel Merchandising (ordered by the average relevance score of their Apparel Merchandising graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Indiana University Bloomington
|
68 | 13 |